Hecker Products Corp. v. Transamerican Freight Lines, Inc.

In 1936, the plaintiff, then known as the Gold Dust Corporation, delivered certain personal property to defendant motor carrier for transportation from New York City to Indianapolis, Indiana. Defendant is a common carrier, operating under and subject to the provisions of the act of Congress relating to motor carriers operating between States. A uniform domestic bill of lading was issued by defendant which stated that the shipment consisted of:

“Boxes common soap

Boxes washing powder (dry)

Boxes soap powder (dry)

Barrels washing powder (dry)

Boxes scouring powder (dry) (fibre cans)

Boxes soap chips…